Teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) wood has gained its high reputation for natural durability, weather resistance, and appearance. The heartwood quality of 15, 25, and 72-year-old teak trees from forest plantation was assessed in relation to chemical and colour properties. With tree age, an increasing tendency was found in the ethanol-benzene and water soluble extractive contents, whereas a decreasing tendency was observed in the pH value. Furthermore, from the ethanol-benzene components, the contents of tectoquinone, squalene, and total quinone increased with age. With regard to the colour properties, the brightness (L*), yellowness (b*), hue (h), and chroma (C*) levels tended to decrease while the redness (a*) level fluctuated with tree age
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